Scan barcode
dwdillydally's reviews
93 reviews
The Dementia Diaries by Matthew Snyman
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
This is an appealing way to present how dementia effects families. It's relatable, funny, and overflows with empathy. Lots of illustrations and a variety of fonts - similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Geronimo Stilton. To quote the cover, "A novel in cartoons."
It is by a British publisher; I happen to be an American reader. The casual text includes a lot of UK slang and pop culture references. Plus, the resources at back lead to UK organizations and websites. I didn't mind, but I mention it because your reading needs may vary.
My only quibble is the sturcture (...pacing?) of the stories. There are 6 chapters, each with 4 characters writing their diary entry. (Plus, an activitysection, but these were my least favorite part. Seemed like homework. ) Each chapter is suppose to give examples of how dementia progress, "chapter 2: first signs... chapter 3: ways of coping... chapter 6: thinking about the future." I would have preferred that each character told their story all the way through. Rather than bouncing between 4 different journal entries. I would've been able to understan the narratives more clearly.
It is by a British publisher; I happen to be an American reader. The casual text includes a lot of UK slang and pop culture references. Plus, the resources at back lead to UK organizations and websites. I didn't mind, but I mention it because your reading needs may vary.
My only quibble is the sturcture (...pacing?) of the stories. There are 6 chapters, each with 4 characters writing their diary entry. (Plus, an activitysection, but these were my least favorite part. Seemed like homework. ) Each chapter is suppose to give examples of how dementia progress, "chapter 2: first signs... chapter 3: ways of coping... chapter 6: thinking about the future." I would have preferred that each character told their story all the way through. Rather than bouncing between 4 different journal entries. I would've been able to understan the narratives more clearly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Minor: Excrement and Car accident
description of nudity, one comedic cartoon of a grandfather in underwear
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Just finished this. Mind blown! It's not above criticism, but there is so much food for thought here. I find Herbert's writing style is over-explainatory. He is verbose even when he doesn't need to be. But this style also reveals more with each reread. Reading Dune is like panning for gold; you have to sift through a lot of sediment to find your treasure.
FYI, you'll need to read the first Dune book. Otherwise, much of the sci-fi terminology will just be sci-fi goobbly-muck.
FYI, you'll need to read the first Dune book. Otherwise, much of the sci-fi terminology will just be sci-fi goobbly-muck.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Reminds me of Dr. Seuss' language. Made up words that make sense in the rhyming plot: buffalo, fluffalo, huffalo, "I've had enuffalo!" Most of illustrations are spread across two pages, rich in color, and show a variety of expressive animals, native to North America"s Great Plains.
Dinosaur Pirates! by Penny Dale
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Rhythmic, repeative text, but it doesn't rhyme and uses surprisingly rich words. The illustrations are fun and detailed, almost like an i-spy sort of book.
Don't Eat Bees: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Advice from a "smart" dog. Made me and my 10yo laugh out loud, especially the dog's facial expressions.
Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting (Now with Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting) by Pamela Druckerman
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moose Tracks by Mary Casanova
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Similiar to Shiloh by PhyllisReynoldsNaylor, but this is set in northern Minnesota. Informative about forest wildlife. It's a good story, but for me, not particularly memorable. This book does contain peril to the main character and descriptions of animal death and dismemberment.
There's good representation here:
There's good representation here:
- Seth, the main characte, is 12yo, lives in the rural woods, and is homeschooled
- Seth's mom is pregnant and works outside the home
- Seth's dad is absent, but his stepdad is a good role model
- Healthy family dynamics as they work through the ethics of lying, hunting, and poaching
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Gun violence
Minor: Confinement and Gore